Electric tractors gain traction? Researchers see possibilities at farmers event

East Lansing, Mich. — In the soft dirt of an indoor horseback-riding ring last month, a group of farmers tested a small electric tractor being developed by Michigan State University researchers for more than two years. The cherry-red, open-cab prototype drew curious glances as participants took turns climbing in, some surprised by its quick acceleration and whisper-quiet motor. The session aimed to gauge whether an electric tractor could fit the needs of smallholders who cultivate specialty crops or move between tight rows in orchards, a market researchers say could expand as technology improves and costs come down.

Farmers offered real-time impressions to the MSU team led by Ajit Srivastava, an agricultural engineer and professor who has been trying to democratize mechanization for smallholders. He described attempts to replicate oxen using off-the-shelf parts so that farmers could build or customize the machine themselves. The broader goal is to offer a practical alternative to diesel in parts of the world where diesel supply is uncertain or expensive. The prototype’s current limitations include power for deeper tillage and the fact that rain had postponed the feedback session because the tractor had not yet been waterproofed. Still, the project aims for a price around $30,000, substantially cheaper than some competing electric tractors.

The session drew interest from growers like Don Dunklee, who runs a small organic vegetable operation that has long relied on wind and solar. He said he would welcome a future when “everything electric on the farm” is possible, with the tractor representing the last electric implement to add. “The steering is really responsive. It just seems to run really smooth,” Dunklee said, while noting that current prototypes may not meet all he needs. He also highlighted the appeal of a quiet machine in terms of labor and environmental impact. Researchers acknowledge the tension between enthusiasm and practicality, noting that while the concept is appealing, the economics must make sense for the average farm. Derek Muller, who oversees battery-electric systems at John Deere, pointed to the tradeoffs: there is a real emissions advantage, but problems such as noise, ease of use and overall cost still have to be solved for widespread adoption. Deere has built a small utility electric tractor prototype, and other players are also moving into the field. Monarch Tractor, which began in 2019, has marketed autonomous or semi-autonomous options designed to help farmers save labor, work more efficiently and, in some cases, operate with fewer workers in tightly arranged fields.

Image: Electric tractor at a MSU farmers event

The early testing underscores a key point: electric tractors are targeting a niche rather than a wholesale shift away from diesel. Even as batteries improve, issues such as power duration, payload capacity and the need for portable or accessible charging remain central. In addition to battery constraints, many farmers do not have fast electric chargers, and few have solar setups that would supply abundant free electricity for on-farm charging. Suburban and rural electricity subsidies have also shifted in recent years, which affects the economics of switching to electric power. Still, proponents say the technology could be attractive for smallholders who grow high-value crops or operate in greenhouses where emissions reductions are appealing and where smaller machines can maneuver between rows without compacting soil.

For John Deere, electric power is viewed as one option among many rather than a wholesale replacement for the traditional big-diesel tractors that drive large-scale Midwest farms. “It’s not the only solution. It’s not going to be where we lead our efforts. It’s going to be one of many options,” Muller said, signaling that the company is pursuing a diversified approach to on-farm mechanization. Deere’s and other companies’ experiments echo a broader industry trend toward modular, adaptable systems that can be scaled from small plots to larger fields as technology and economics allow.

Industry observers see a potential stepping stone toward automation. Monarch Tractor’s Praveen Penmetsa argued that autonomous software and self-driving capabilities could eventually reduce labor demands, especially in regions facing labor shortages. A self-guided machine could handle precise weed control or planting tasks while farmers monitor overall progress and intervene only when needed. Srivastava noted that automation could free farmers from time-consuming checks on basic operation, allowing them to oversee harvesting and quality outcomes rather than troubleshooting the tractor’s alignment in the rows. The idea of a hybrid model—electric propulsion coupled with autonomy—appeals to researchers seeking to balance efficiency with practical farm realities.

Yet not all players see an immediate path to electrifying every farm. Tim Bucher, CEO of Agtonomy, a company focused on autonomy software for farm vehicles, was optimistic about electric tractors a few years ago but said the technology has advanced to the point where customers can choose among energy sources and still achieve similar results. Government subsidies for electric vehicles have waned in some markets, reducing a strong financial incentive for farmers to switch. On his own farm, Bucher has chosen electric power and reported favorable economic returns and environmental benefits, but he cautions that the decision often depends on local energy prices, grid infrastructure and the type of crops grown.

Across continents, interest in electric farming technology is rising. Muller noted demand from Europe, where some policies reward sustainable farming practices, and universities abroad continue to study agricultural robotics. Brendan Dowdle, chief business officer at Bonsai Robotics, which sells modular, automated farm robots designed to work in concert with tractors, observes growing interest in farm automation that can scale in stages—from small robotic assistants to autonomous tractors working in coordinated patterns. Patrick Woolcock, an associate engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, described a market segment of “gentleman farmers” who run small operations or display crops at farmers markets. For them, electric options can offer emissions advantages and simpler repairs, provided a reliable supply chain for parts and service emerges.

Ultimately, the assessment from the MSU session is that electric tractors could carve out a niche for specialized crops, greenhouse work and small-scale agriculture where soil health and sustainability are prized. They are not a universal fix for the complexity of modern farming, which still includes large acreages, fluctuating fuel costs and the need for high horsepower in some operations. The researchers acknowledge that building a robust, affordable electric solution for smallholders will require continued iteration on power, durability and price, as well as the development of charging infrastructure in rural areas.

The rain-delayed test event underscored the practical challenges even as it showcased the potential benefits. For smallholders who care about sustainability and want to market their products as environmentally friendly, the promise of an affordable, quiet, maneuverable tractor remains appealing. The path to widespread adoption will depend on how quickly battery technology advances, how farmers adapt to new maintenance requirements, and whether the economics pencil out in diverse farming contexts. What began as a pilot demonstration at an MSU facility could, over time, inform a broader shift toward electrified, possibly autonomous, farming equipment that aligns with climate goals and evolving market demands.